CWASD News 11/27/2017

CW Exceeds Expectations, Improves on High Scores in Latest State Report Cards

Once again, the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Area School District ranked as one of the highest-scoring districts in the region after receiving a rating of "Exceeds Expectations" on the state report card scores. The report cards were just released for the 2016-2017 school year.

As part of Wisconsin’s push to a statewide accountability system for school districts, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released school report cards for all schools in the state. Each school earns a "score," called an accountability index score, from 0 to 100. This year, each district was also given an overall score. The scores evaluate not only the effectiveness of the school district, but also hold schools accountable for ensuring students receive the education and skills necessary to be successful in a career or post-secondary institution.

The accountability index score is based on the school’s performance in four priority areas:

Student achievement in reading and mathematics on state tests

Student growth measured by improvements in achievement

Closing gaps in performance between specific student groups (i.e. low-income students or students with disabilities.)

On-track/postsecondary readiness, including graduation or attendance rates, reading and math achievement, and ACT participation and performance.

In addition, the school report card displays the school’s performance on three areas of student engagement, including state test participation rates in reading and mathematics, absenteeism and dropout rates.

Based on performance in the above areas, schools are given one of five ratings—from Significantly Exceeds Expectations to Fails to Meet Expectations. The CW District and all schools attained the score of Exceeds Expectations. CWASD received an overall district score of 78.3, exceeding expectations according to the scorecard. Roselawn Elementary received the highest score of the three schools with a 81.8. Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Middle School scored an impressive 79.2 and the high school scored a 75.0.

The overall district score is the highest of the Heart O’ North schools, and in Barron County. Both the middle school and high school scores also rank in the top spots in the Heart O’ North and Barron County. Roselawn Elementary’s score places it as one of the highest-ranking elementary schools in the HON and Barron County. In addition, the district report card score places CWASD in the top 6 (of 39) of school districts in CESA 11, behind school districts such as New Richmond, Somerset, and Hudson.

"While we fully understand that the DPI Accountability Report Card scores are just one measure of school/district performance, we are very pleased to see our schools and district attain such high ratings," said District Administrator Mark Johnson. "We are excited to see that the report card scores reflect the work that goes on each day in our classrooms and schools across the district. As a district, our staff has worked extremely hard to develop the foundations of a strong academic program, especially in terms of what our students know and are able to do. They have also put extensive time into developing appropriate assessments that provide timely feedback as to what content the students are mastering and/or what content they may need some additional assistance. The task of developing the foundation of the academic program is very challenging."

Johnson also notes how exciting it is to see the hard work of students and staff be recognized.

"It is rewarding to see these report card scores demonstrate that our staff and students have been successful in creating very high-performing schools where all students can learn at high levels and are provided every opportunity to succeed," he continued. "Our students, staff, families and community should be very proud to have such a strong school district full of caring, dedicated staff members."